Monday Morning Quarterback: Hamilton Women's Ice Hockey

With ten straight NESCAC tournament appearances, it's safe to say that Hamilton's women's hockey team can recruit talented players. Last season the continentals finished with eleven wins and a NESCAC  quarterfinal appearance. And coach Brendon Knight says his team needed a new atmosphere. Coach Knight says, "Well our focus after last season was to really create a different type of atmosphere surrounding the team. We went through a lot of up and downs last year and we really concentrated on getting the team closer and having a better team chemistry." Coaches can help to create team chemistry but ultimately it comes down to the players to buy into the system. Senior forward Riley Smith says,  "This year we were really enthusiastic and we have all the potential we've had in the past and I think we have that kind of intangible it factor this year that we've been missing in previous years. We've had a lot of great team chemistry and I think it was really great for us to have a great start and kind of all pull together as a team." The team's camaraderie has changed the way players approach the little things and that is crucial to their success. Abby Runyon, a junior forward says, "Every game is such an important game especially in the NESCAC, since every league game really means a lot to the standings and where we'll be at the end of the season. So it's really important for us to play hard every game and even during practices because that translates to the game." Coaches and players attribute off ice workouts to a big part of their success. Coach Knight added, "I think the off ice conditioning is a huge part of our team's success. Not only from a physical stand point but it gives them an opportunity to spend a lot of time together and get to know each other especially with the freshman coming in and really setting the tone for the season and we've definitely seen the benefits of that."